The European Union has launched a formal investigation into TikTok amid allegations the platform was used by Russia to influence the outcome of Romania’s annulled presidential election. This marks the latest development under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s ambitious legislation designed to safeguard digital spaces and clamp down on illegal activities online.
The investigation stems from concerns that TikTok failed to adequately address risks to election integrity. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We must protect our democracies from any kind of foreign interference. Whenever we suspect such interference, especially during elections, we have to act swiftly and firmly.”
Allegations of Foreign Influence
Romania’s presidential election on November 24 drew international attention when far-right candidate Calin Georgescu unexpectedly topped the first round of voting. Georgescu’s success triggered widespread concern within the EU and NATO, given Romania’s strategic position bordering Ukraine amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Romania’s constitutional court later annulled the election, citing “multiple irregularities and violations of electoral legislation.” Declassified intelligence documents from Romania’s presidency revealed allegations of Russian interference, including claims of “massive” social media promotion and cyberattacks. TikTok, one of the platforms implicated, is accused of playing a role in amplifying disinformation and manipulating voter sentiment.
The EU’s decision to launch an inquiry follows these revelations, with a focus on TikTok’s use of recommender systems. These algorithms curate content based on user data, raising concerns about their potential to spread politically charged or misleading information.
Scope of the Investigation
The European Commission will examine whether TikTok violated the DSA by failing to mitigate systemic risks to election integrity. The probe will scrutinize the platform’s content moderation policies, its approach to political advertising, and how it handles paid-for political content.
The DSA, which came into effect in 2022, mandates that tech giants take greater responsibility for safeguarding users against harmful content. Companies that fail to comply face significant penalties, including fines of up to six percent of their global turnover. For TikTok, this could amount to billions of dollars.
Von der Leyen underscored the importance of the investigation, stating, “Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential elections by using TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act by failing to tackle such risks.”
TikTok Faces Heightened Scrutiny in the EU
This is the third investigation the European Commission has opened against TikTok, which has faced mounting criticism over its data practices and influence on European users. The platform, owned by China-based ByteDance, has often been at the center of geopolitical debates, with many governments expressing concerns over its ability to safeguard user data and prevent misuse.
Although the formal proceedings do not prejudge the outcome, the EU has signaled its intent to hold platforms accountable for safeguarding democratic processes. The investigation has no set timeline, but its implications could extend beyond TikTok, serving as a warning to other digital platforms operating in Europe.
Democratic Safeguards in the Digital Age
The Romanian election debacle serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities democracies face in the digital era. Social media platforms wield immense influence over public discourse, making them prime targets for foreign interference. The EU’s response highlights the need for robust mechanisms to protect elections from manipulation.
As the investigation unfolds, the findings could reshape how digital platforms operate in Europe. If TikTok is found in violation of the DSA, it may face unprecedented fines and be required to overhaul its policies to ensure compliance.
The case also underscores the growing intersection of technology and geopolitics, as platforms like TikTok become arenas for global power struggles. For the EU, safeguarding democratic processes remains a top priority, and the probe into TikTok reflects its commitment to addressing these emerging challenges.
